Chapter Three: Welcome to Konoha
Angel looked around curiously. When she takes her first step into the city a man's voice catches her attention.
"State your business!"
Angel turn her head to the left and noticed two men sitting in what appeared to be a box. She raised her eyebrow questioningly towards the two men. She isn't interested in answering their questions, she wants her answers first.
"Why do you sit in a box?" Her voice vibrated in the heads of the two men and their stern faces softened. Naruto walks through the gates and sees Angel staring at the two dumbstruck men.
"Oi, Angel-chan! These are our village's traffickers. They make sure that no foreign ninja come here without authority. The man with the clothe on his face is Hagane Kotetsu and the guy with his hair over his eye is Kamizuki Izumo." Each man nods to their names.
"Izumo and Kotetsu, this is … Angel." Naruto realized that he never thought to ask Angel about her last name. Then he remember when Angel first gave her name she said that she was once called Angel. He never thought at the moment to ask her what she meant by that, he was too much in awe with her.
"Just Angel?" Izumo questions, looking purely at the woman before him.
"Angel is the name I go by," Angel says coolly. "Is there something wrong with that?"
It is her turn to ask the questions and she knew her voice was playing havoc in the men's heads. She could smell their excitement and she wanted to mess with them. Her demon personality liked to be amused and she usually got her amusement by messing with clueless men.
She leans against the counter to face the one Naruto called Izumo and repeats her question again but only this time she put more seduction into it.
Izumo was at a lost. He didn't seem like he could function anymore. When Angel bent down lower exposing her cleavage he fell over with a nosebleed. His partner, Kotetsu jumped to his side to help him up.
Naruto just stares at Angel as she let her amusement show on her face. She turns to look at Naruto and gave him a quick wink. Angel returned to Naruto's side and waited for the men to regain their composure, any sign of emotion disappeared from her face once again.
"Naruto," Kotetsu looks only at Naruto. He is afraid he will suffer the same fate if he even as much as glanced at the beautiful companion that Naruto brought to the village.
"Naruto," he continued, "You know that we must keep a recorded of all the coming and going of Konoha. In order to do that we need the names, first and last, of everyone who enters and a reason as to why they are here."
Naruto knew this but he didn't think Izumo and Kotetsu would give him such a hard time. Before he could speak Kakashi and Sakura appeared around them. They surprised Naruto but Angel seemed unfazed by their sudden appearance, like she was expecting it.
"Yo!" Kakashi waves at the two gate patrollers. They nod back at him and point to the girl.
"Do you know her Kakashi?" Izumo, finally out of his daze, questioned the copy-ninja, but he is still flustered and embarrassed because of the woman.
Kakashi looks at Angel and she gave him the 'I didn't do a thing' look.
Kakashi laughs and says, "Truthfully we just met but I feel like I have known her for years. I have already talked to Hokage-sama and she is interested in meeting this young lady. Here are the papers." Kakashi hands the men the paper work. They read it over and nod.
The note reads:
Izumo and Kotetsu!
Kakashi and Sakura have just brought to my attention that they have a visitor they want me to meet.
I am told her name is Angel. She has come here to make Konoha her home. Naruto, Kakashi, and Sakura will escort her to my office as soon as she arrives.
Do not give her any trouble or you will have to deal with me.
She also has some friends that will be accompanying her in. Make no attempt to stop them if they wish to enter. If they do enter I will need you to find a stable that will be comfortable enough for a horse.
You have your orders.
"Oi, Kakashi!" Kotetsu whines. "You could have gotten this letter to us sooner! Sorry Angel-san. You clearly have all right to enter this village."
"Thank you," Angel bowed in respect. Then she said something that not only caught everyone by surprise, but herself as well. "May the stars watch over you both."
"Uh. Thanks?" Izumo accepted confused. One minute this girl is being difficult and now she is being all respectful. She is definitely an interesting one.
"Come on Angel-chan!" Sakura grabs Angel's hand with hers and starts to turn to take her to Tsunade, but stops when she feels Angel stiffen at her touch. Angel rips her hand away and stares at Sakura with alarm. Sakura watches as Angel stares at her hand like it is contaminated.
"Sorry Angel-chan… I wasn't thinking. I didn't mean to upset you." Sakura diverts her eyes away from Angel, ashamed that she upset her new friend.
'Sh-she touched me?! Without hesitation, she willing touched me…'
'Why do you torture yourself so? You are not the monster you think you are… these people have accepted you… Why do you not except them? Look at Sakura. She is hurt by your rejection. She feels like she has wronged you and all you can do now and stand there and stare at your hand?…'
'But… Her touch confuse me. I felt no hate… it is just different from what I am use too… I need time. I cannot change in an instant!'
'Then take small steps. Fix the poor girls confusion.'
'How? I am not good at this… All I know is people running from me… I am use to that. I am not use to this running towards me and doing so in a friendly matter!'
'Take her hand again and tell her your confusion. Maybe she could help…'
'LIKE ANY HUMAN HAS EVER BEEN ABLE TO HELP ANYONE!'
'You! Stay quiet. I was actually getting somewhere… sigh… I will try'
Sakura was about to walk away but she stops when she feels a delicate touch on her arm. She turns to see Angel standing by her with remorse written all over her usually emotionless face.
"I'm sorry Angel-chan… I will go now. I didn't mean to upset you." Sakura's eyes were beginning to tear up. She couldn't help but cry. No matter how hard she fought against them, tears were always something she lost too. When one liquid diamond escaped Sakura's eye, Angel hesitantly raised her hand to Sakura's face and lightly brushed the tear away with her thumb.
"Sakura," Angel spoke low, her voice full of remorse. "I am the one who should apologize. I am not use to such… friendly touching. The only touch I have felt for many years has always been full of hate and disgust. When you grabbed my hand… it just confused me. I never realized that someone could touch another person with… such kindness." Angel bows deeply towards Sakura. "Amin hiraetha(1), Sakura-chan."
Sakura doesn't understand the language Angel is using but she is completely sure that she is saying sorry. But what really bought a smile to her face was that Angel added -chan to her name. Sakura isn't sure if Angel knows exactly what she is saying. But Angel struck her as the type of person who doesn't do something casual; much thought goes into everything she does.
"Angel-chan, it's alright. I'll try not to surprise you like that again." Sakura smiles.
"Sakura-chan, I would like you to teach me more about touch. It confuses me how something so basic can be so complex. Will you show me?" Angel asks Sakura but was confused by the look on the men's faces. Angel tilted her head to the side and raised her eyebrow to them.
If Angel had turned around to face Sakura, she would have seen a very angry Sakura sending the men a 'don't even go there or make anything out of what she just said!' stare. The men immediately pulled their jaws up off the floor and looked around like nothing just happen. Angel returned her attention back to Sakura who is, as far as she knew, still smiling from the previous encounter.
"Oh course Angel-chan! I would be happy…" Sakura stared daggers into the men, "to help you."
Angel couldn't help but smirk at the look Sakura gave the men.
'So she seems to have feisty side to her'
'I LIKE HER. SHE WILL MAKE A FINE FRIEND. I APPROVE!'
'I do not remember her asking for approval, especially from you…'
'I am growing tired of you all…'
'
Angel found that she likes Sakura, she had a fierceness to her that nearly rivaled her own. After all, Angel did personally watch her punched Naruto. The more she analyzed the day's events she discovered that she has become very fond of Naruto too and surprisingly, Kakashi.
Angel is distracted from her thoughts as she sees a hand being extended to her. She half smiles to Sakura and hesitantly reaches for her hand. She pulled away slightly, as if Sakura's hand was on fire and to touch it would cause her great harm. Angel shakes her head and curses her stupidity. She accepts Sakura's hand and is still amazed not to feel any hate, only warmth.
But then the memories started to flood into her conscious mind.
A little girl sitting alone, crying behind her long bangs. A girl with blonde hair up to her shoulders approaches the crying girl. They exchanged words and the blonde girl walks away.
The memory fades and another one replaces it.
The little girl is once again sitting on the ground, but this time she is not crying. The girl with blonde hair returns with a red ribbon. She proceeded to tie the girl's hair out of her face and smiles at her…
Angel couldn't hear any of the words that were exchanged but she is certain that the crying child was Sakura. How many people could actually have pink hair? Angel hurried to build up the barriers of her mind. She never realized that when someone touches her she could receive memories like that. She had experienced emotions every now and then. Like when she saved Naruto, she could feel his relief but no memories where shared, and when Kakashi caught her leg she could feel his confidence. But this is new to her and she wasn't quite sure how to control it.
"Shall we go then?" Kakashi asks looking at the scene before him. He had a feeling that they just made a major break through with the new woman. He is proud of Sakura. He remembered when he told her not to be ashamed of whom she is. Shinobi are not supposed to show their emotions. A task that was always hard for Sakura to do. But Kakashi told her that is what makes her strong, her feelings for others. He told her that it was okay to shed tears because one never knows whom you would affect with those tears. In this case, it is a woman who seems to have had a troubled past.
"Hai!" Naruto and Sakura yell in unison. Angel merely nods in acknowledgement. The four of them take off toward the Hokage's office.
"I wonder who her friends are?" Izumo thinks out loud. Kotetsu answers his questioned with an elbow to the side. He is staring at the gate and Izumo follows his gaze.
Izumo's eyes became as big as sauces when a white mare followed by a wolf came walking into the village. The wolf looks at the two men for what seemed like hours.
Once Faolan grew tired of the men he settled himself in front of the outpost to help 'stand guard' in his eyes. Sorcha flicked her tail and whined a little to get the men's attention.
"So, I guess we are suppose to get the sable for the horse?" Kotetsu tells Izumo who only nods in return. "This woman sure is… uh… strange. Come on, we better get the Hokage's orders complete. I have a feeling she is not going to be happy with us as it is."
Kotetsu grabs the mare reins and leads her to the nearest farm.
Angel is surprised how primitive the village looked. She could see the electric lines strung throughout the village but they looked almost out of place. To Angel's distaste they made it all too quickly to their destination. She wanted more time to take in the surrounding, after all, this is the first time she step foot in a village in 12 years.
The small group stops in front of a building that had a beautiful mountain scene behind it. At first Angel thought her eyes were playing tricks on her when she saw the faces in the mountains, but she quickly realized that they were carved into the mountain. She wondered who the people were and how they obtained such on honor. Naruto spoke up as if reading her mind.
"They were people give the title Hokage. They were the most respected ninja in all of Konoha. Not too long ago I found out that the Forth Hokage was actually my father…" Naruto points to the face below the one that looked like a woman. Angel could instantly see the resemblance.
"I always wondered why I felt so close to the fourth. I wondered why I put him above the rest of the Hokage…" Naruto's eyes are glazed over as he started to ramble on about his father and his dream to become Hokage, just like his father did. It didn't bother anyone that Naruto was rattling on and on, especially Angel. For a majority of Naruto's life, he was alone. No one paid attention to him, they cast him aside and he never understood why. He was lonely and always watching people from afar. He thought he would always be alone until Iruka-sensei … until he was placed in team seven. From that moment Naruto's life changed and it made him the man he is today. He is regarded as a hero, just like his father always wanted him to be.
Once Naruto is done telling his story to Angel he turns and look at her. Naruto was a little taken back when he looked into Angel's dark blue eyes, something had changed. Her gaze is no longer cold or distance, it held a new found respect for him. Naruto could feel his face turning red and his heart began to race in his chest. Angel sensed the affect her stare was having on him and she quickly turned away.
"Shall we proceed?" Angel questioned the group. When they all nodded their approval Angel nodded back. "Well, then lead the way."
Angel follows the group up a long spiral staircase. Angel thought for a moment that it would never end. Kakashi turned to the left and finally to Angel's liking, the left the stairs and proceeded down a hallway. They stop in front of two large wooden doors and Kakashi nodded towards Naruto. Years of teamwork have made it easy for the group to read each other's thoughts. Naruto knocked on the door but didn't wait for an answer to enter.
"Oi! Tsunade-Baachan(1a)!" Naruto yells and then catches sight of a certain white hair pervert. "EH! Ero-Sennin(2a)! What are you doing here?!?!" Tsunade and Jiraiya both sigh and shake their heads at Naruto's denseness.
'No matter how much he grows or how mature he gets… he still can't put two and two together…" Jiraiya sighs. Then the figure standing next to Naruto catches his eye… the very curvy figure that is. Jiraiya's jaw drops at the sight of the young woman.
"OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He yelled before he fell over with a nosebleed.
Everyone just shakes their heads and Angel hears Naruto whisper under his breath 'Damn pervy-sage…'
"Is this the woman you wanted me to meet Kakashi?" Tsunade eyed Angel from head to toe. "It seems that your description of the young woman did her no justice Kakashi, or were you just trying to get Jiraiya out of the room with that horrid description?"
Kakashi nervously faced a very aggravated Angel. Though her face didn't show it, the whole room could feel the rage that is beginning to surround her. Kakashi slumps over and sighs.
"It's true. I wanted to get rid of Jiraiya because I did not want to insult our guest by having her lusted over by some… uh… creepy old man."
Angel is still facing Tsunade but her eyes are plastered to her right, on Kakashi. While he tries to explain why he told Tsunade that Angel was the 'fattest, greasiest, and most horrifying sight that she would ever see in his entire life', she couldn't help but be amused. Something told her that Kakashi was not one to usual do such a thing for someone he just met.
After a good five minutes Angel decided that Kakashi had enough torture and she cut off his ramblings with, "Dina, T'puuli lauske kal'daka, Diola lle(2)." She nods to Kakashi, but then Angel freezes when she feels someone close to her… too close.
Angel turns her head to see the man they call Jiraiya , hovering around her. "Your voice! Your body! Your beauty is like nothing I have ever seen before! I must study you for my next novel!" As Jiraiya reached out to touch Angel she disappeared before his eyes. "Eh? Where did she go?"
Naruto points past his shoulder. Jiraiya turns around to see a very angry woman standing on top of Tsunade's desk. Angel had her arms cross and made no attempt to hide the anger from her face.
"Who do you think you are? Your mate is in the same room as you! If you have no self respect for yourself at lease have some for her!"
Tsunade chokes on her sake as Angel mentions the word 'mate' in her ranting. Both Tsunade and Jiraiya mentally scream 'How did she know!?!'
Confused looks were exchanged between the little crowd. Naruto remembering what Angel said about being someone's 'mate' before and his jaw drops.
"EH?? Tsunade-Baachan and Ero-Sennin are MATES!!" Naruto fell over in disbelief. Kakashi and Sakura went rigid at the news and the suddenly did not want to be in the Hokage's office anymore.
"How did you know?" Tsunade looks up at the woman stand on her desk. Angel looks down at her, her sapphire eyes searching Tsunade's face, for what she did not know. She got her answer after Angel jumped off her desk and as far from Jiraiya as possible.
"I am sorry. I did not realize it was a secret." Angel bows to Tsunade. "I will leave immediately, I have caused you much disrespect and I do not deserve to be in your presence after such insolence. Especially, to the Hokage of this beautiful village." Angel bows again and is about to leave when Tsunade stops her.
"It was bound to come out eventually. Two people can only be married for so long before others start to notice…"
"You two are married?" Naruto and Sakura scream in unison.
"When did….? How did…? You two?" Naruto just couldn't comprehend it.
"It really isn't all that surprising," Sakura states as she starts to analyze past events. "They have know each other since they were young and with everything that has happened over the years it was only natural for them to end up together…"
"Sakura! Naruto! Can we please stop talking about my love life and get back to the matter on hand?" Tsunade could feel the vein in her forehead throbbing. It took every ounce of her being not to throw her desk out the window. She mentally congratulated herself for not losing it in front of the stranger, especially one that is as powerful as Kakashi says she is.
"Angel! It has been brought to my attention that you would like to take up residency in Konohagakure, is this true?" Tsunade focused on Angel who was still standing at the door.
"Arwen en amin(3) Tsunade, I do wish to request to stay in your village, but I never asked to become a resident." Angel tried not to let any confusion seep into her voice. She shot glares in Kakashi's direction for telling the leader of his village that she wished to become a resident.
"What did you call me?" Tsunade lost interest in Angel's residency request as Angel spoke the first couple of words.
"Excuse me Arwen en amin(3) Tsunade, I did not mean to be…"
"That! What does it mean? Why do you call me it?" Tsunade cut Angel short.
Angel looks at her for a second and she mentally slaps herself. She was speaking Elvin again. "Pardon me, please. When I do not know how to address people I do it in the language I am most familiar with. I just address you as I would a lady of a high council from…" Angel never finished her sentence.
She still did not want to discuss her past or where she is originally from. To her relief Tsunade did press any further.
"Well, I won't say that it isn't a beautiful title but around these parts I am usually called Hokage-sama or Tsunade-sama. I would wish for you to address me as Tsunade-sama, is that clear?"
"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Angel nods in acknowledgement.
"Now that that has been cleared up, Angel, I grant you residency. Whether you chose to stay or not is up to you, but you now know that you have a place in this village. You risked your life to save one of our own, and we are grateful. Now, off with all of you! I have a meeting in a minute and I have work to finish…" Tsunade looks at the piles of paper work that waited for her and mentally cried.
Before Angel could protest Tsunade's decision everyone is walking out the door, including her. Once the door is closed behind them Angel turns to faced the three ninja with a look of pure confusion.
"What just happened?" Angel demanded. "What exactly did you tell her? Why am I welcomed so easily into a village that does not even know me?" It is hard to tell now if Angel is still confused or angry because she had put back on her emotionless mask.
"Angel-chan, don't worry about it. It's not like you are bound to us, we just offered you a home, that's all." Sakura tries to answer her questions but in all honesty she is just as confused. Kakashi had stayed behind in the office after Sakura made her request for Angel to enter the village without hassle. Kakashi and Tsunade must have discussed something that they didn't want her to hear.
It wasn't the answer Angel is hoping for but it was better than none. She turns so her back is to them and crosses her arms over her chest. This stand usually tells people not to come to close but of course Naruto is really bad a listening, whether it is verbal or body language.
"Come on Angel-chan! I want to take you somewhere!" Naruto had one thing on his mind at that moment… RAMEN!
Angel rolls her eyes in annoyance but follows the blonde hair man regardless. Sakura follows but stops when Kakashi does not budge. "Kakashi?"
"Go on Sakura. I have some business to attend to." Sakura nods and takes off to catch up with Naruto and Angel.
"RAMEN! RAMEN! RAMEN!" Naruto continued to sing until they reached their destination. When he stopped suddenly, Angel assumed that they finally reached the place Naruto wanted to take her. "Oh! Angel-chan! You are just going to love this! I'm going to treat you to the best meal you have ever had in your life!"
Sakura sags a little but perks up what she sees Angel's eyes asking her for help. "Naruto would like to treat you and me to a wonderful meal."
'How dare he forget about us! He is so dead!' Inner Sakura roars while throwing punches into the air.
Naruto caught the emphasis Sakura put on herself and he started to blush. He didn't mean to leave Sakura out and all he could do is nod his head in agreement.
'Sakura-chan is going to kill me later for this… sigh'
Naruto orders the food for himself and the two lovely ladies he has the pleasure of treating. When the ramen is done both Sakura and Naruto reach for the chopsticks, they broke them apart and start to eat. Usually when Naruto starts to eat his ramen he doesn't notice anything around him but he did notice Angel. She just sat there staring at the bowl in front of her.
"Is everything alright Angel-chan?" Naruto asks.
Angel didn't know what to say. She really did not want to embarrass herself with the stupid question that is in her mind but if she didn't, then she would be insulting the nice gesture Naruto is trying to make. She mentally sighs in defeat and asks, "How do I eat this?"
Angel waited for them to laugh like they did before; when she asked them what a jutsu was. But this time Sakura just smiles and tells her, "I'll show you how. Here. First thing you do is take the chopsticks out of this container. Then you break them apart like this."
Sakura takes the wooden sticks and brakes them apart. Angel nods and waits for her to proceed. "Then you hold them in your hand like this."
Angel tries to mimic what she is seeing but she couldn't get a good hold on the chopsticks. Angel sighs and is getting frustrated with the little wooden sticks. Part of her wished that they were living things so that the death glare she was giving them would actually have some kind of an affect.
Sakura could see her frustration and decided to take a chance. "Uh… Angel-chan… Do … do you mind if I show you?" Angel raised an eyebrow to her. "Well, the only proper way I could teach you is to put my hand over yours and I don't want to make you uncomfortable…"
Angel smirks at her question. She almost laughed but controlled herself quite nicely. She answered Sakura by putting her hand holding the sticks up towards her. Sakura smiles and continues to show Angel how to use the chopsticks to eat. Sakura helps Angel to hold on to the utensils for the first couple of bites. When she is sure that Angel got it down she starts to pull her hand away but a familiar voice makes her freeze.
"Sakura. Naruto. I have been looking for you both all day?"
Naruto turns to see Sasuke frowning down at them. They were all supposed to meet to train today and well, that just didn't happen.
"Hehehe, sorry Sasuke. We got a little side-tracked." Naruto laughs. Really it is the truth in a way. If you can call being punched over the edge of a cliff getting side-tracked. "Join us! I'm treating."
Sasuke walks past Naruto and takes a seat next to the frozen Sakura. He orders himself a bowl and then he decided that the menu of the ramen shop was the most interesting thing in all of Konoha.
Sakura's breathing became erratic and her heart is pumping way to fast to be healthy. Ever since Sasuke came back she didn't know what to do. She couldn't forgive him, not yet, he had hurt her too deeply. He told her why he did what he did and part of her understood that he needed to avenge this clan. But he had other choices. He could have stayed with Naruto and her, but he left. She sometimes finds herself wondering what it would be like if he had stayed.
Would she still have trained under Tsunade? Or Naruto under Jiraiya? Would they be the people they are today or would they be completely different? These thoughts usually keep her calm when Sasuke is near but he caught her off guard this time and she isn't prepared for his appearance.
Because she is still holding Angel's hand, Angel is being over flowed with unfamiliar emotions and memories. Through Sakura's touch she feels… love… then betrayal… and now confusion. Angel tries to push back these emotions. She knows they aren't her own but the more she feels the more she wanted to know. She wanted to know what made Sakura's heart flutter so uncontrollably or why she felt hurt.
The hurt feeling. This is a feeling Angel can relate too. She understood this one and she wanted to hurt whoever or whatever was causing this for Sakura. A face flashes through her mind. Her eyes narrowed as she realizes the face belongs to the man that now sits next to Sakura. Angel is about to get up and confront the raven hair man regarding the hurt he is causing Sakura. But the idea is quickly snatched away by an outburst from Naruto.
"Geese Sakura-chan… Angel-chan won't be able to eat if you won't let go of her hand." Naruto whines. He is dying to know what Angel thinks about the ramen.
Sakura blushes feverously and releases Angel's hand. "Sorry Angel-chan. I don't know what I was thinking."
Angel didn't buy her act one bit, more or less because of the connection they just had, but chose to stay silent. Angel instead settles for giving the raven hair man side glances, making no attempt to hide the distaste she feels for the newcomer.
"So. Is anyone going to introduce me?" Sasuke questions but his eyes are on Sakura. Ever since he came back she was distant. He couldn't blame her. In his mind he did what he did so he could move on with his life. He had no intention of becoming Orochimaru's new body, just played along until he was powerful enough to kill Itachi. Once he accomplished that he returned to his village, mainly for her. He wanted to live the promise she made him that night. When the village found out that he personally killed Orochimaru, the village welcomed him back into its heart, but she hasn't.
"Hehehe. Sorry Sasuke. This is Angel-chan. She saved my life today and is now going to stay in Konoha for a while…" Naruto laughs. He began to tell Sasuke the story but he knew Sasuke isn't really paying attention. He is only here to be near one person; Sakura. It pained Naruto to see his two best friends in such distress. Sakura is confused and doesn't know how to get pass the past, and Sasuke… Sasuke suffered so much. He gave up everything he held dear to seek his revenge. Naruto understood that Sasuke could never move on until his revenge was done, the spirits of his fallen clan members would haunt him until the day he died.
Sasuke told Naruto everything the day he returned. To Naruto's disliked he confessed that he has been in love with Sakura since their days at the academy. Back then he didn't return her feelings because he wasn't sure if he would live long enough to be able to give her the life she deserved. He did his best to be indifferent to her, to push her away, but her feelings never wavered and it made it harder for him to resist.
Then everything made sense to Naruto. It explained why Sasuke was so angry when he awoke from Orochimaru's curse state and found Sakura beaten badly, and why he was so angry when he couldn't do anything to save her from Gaara. He wanted to protect her, to help her but in his eyes he was powerless. Orochimaru's curse seal made it difficult for him to use his full potential, so he did the only thing he thought that would help him. He went to the man who cursed him, to learn how to control it, and then finish his quest.
Sasuke played the part of the loyal servant and it killed him to attack his friends. If he held back Orochimaru would know, so Sasuke hoped that they would forgive him. Naruto did, but Sakura… He didn't think she could ever forgive him.
"Eh? Sakura-chan? Are you all right? Your ramen is getting cold." Naruto placed a comforting hand on Sakura's shoulder. She had been staring to space out. She still didn't know how to handle Sasuke being around and he is always around now. Sasuke was re-assigned to Team Seven, but not without many protests from Sakura. She tried to say it wasn't fair to Sai, that they were a better team with out Sasuke, and even went as low as to play on Tsunade's motherly affection toward her, telling her that she would never talk to Tsunade again if she followed through with her decision. But Tsunade knew her better and made the decision final. Sakura was informed that Sai would like be apart of Team Seven and Sakura knew she could never avoid Tsunade. After all, she is the Hokage.
Sakura did her best to put on a smile. "I'm fine Naruto! I'm just not very hungry all of the sudden."
It was the truth. Her stomach is full of butterflies. If Angel wasn't there Sakura would have probably excused herself by now and would be on her way. She mentally cried out for help but she was sure no one would help, but to her surprised someone was there to help her.
"Sakura-chan?"
Sakura turns to see Angel looking at her, questioning her with her dark blue eyes. 'Do you wish to leave?'
Sakura nods slightly. It is amazing how she connected so fast with Angel, they were literally able to read each other's thoughts through each other's eyes.
"I wish to bathe." Angel stated out of the blue.
Sakura realized it was their escape and she let out a sigh of relief.
"Come Angel-chan. You can take a shower at my place." With that both women stood to leave. Angel bowed in respect and Sakura waved her silent good-bye.
"She is… interesting." Sasuke couldn't help but stare at Angel. He really didn't notice her until she spoke to Sakura.
"Hehehe, you don't know that half of it," Naruto laughs. "Weren't you paying attention to anything I said before?"
"No."
Naruto sighs, he wasn't surprised. "Alright. Let me start again…"
Sakura and Angel walk silently through the streets. For some reason the silence was making Angel uneasy. Finally Sakura broke the silence with a sigh. Angel raised her eyebrow to let Sakura know she is listening even though she isn't looking at her.
"Thanks for the save back there." Sakura is more than thankful; she owed Angel a lot for getting her away from that awkward situation.
"Why did his presence bother you so much?" Angel couldn't help her curiosity. She has always been one to seek knowledge and right now the images and emotions that flowed from Sakura confused her greatly. She wanted to know why Sasuke upset her so but made her happy at the same time.
"It's a long story," Sakura sighs.
Angel stares at Sakura through the corner of her eyes. "I wish for you to tell me this story. I will not lie to you Sakura, I have no reason too. While you held on to my hand you unknowing transferred many memories and emotions into me. I am… confused."
Sakura stops dead in her tracks. She stares at Angel, embarrassed that Angel knew so much about her and through touch.
"How? … When?… What do you know!?" Sakura couldn't seem to make complete sentences. Her mind is working over time to make sense of what Angel just said.
"Sakura." Angel made sure to make her voice demanding. It worked. Sakura stops her gibberish at once and now looks at Angel for answers.
"It was not done on purpose, Sakura-chan. I am not one to invade people's minds for amusement. I believe that a person's mind is their sanctuary and no one has the right to invade it. I had my guard down. Normally I can control my telepathic abilities but since we were both caught off guard I did not have time to put up barriers. Also, since no one has ever really touched me, I never knew emotions, memories, or anything of the sort could be transmitted that way. I apologize for my lack of knowledge. But I do want to help you, if you wish to seek it."
'YOU ARE REVEALING TO MUCH INFORMATION!' a voice roars from the back corners of Angel's mind making her wince as if she was in pain. That did not go unnoticed by Sakura.
'This is why no one is close to her. Mind your business and let her be…'
'I do not have time for this. Let me be…'
"Angel-chan?" Sakura voice is full of concern. Angel returns her gaze towards Sakura and shakes her head.
"Do not worry about me. The main concern is you. Now, I ask again. Do you wish me to help?"
Sakura nods and the tears began to flow once again. "Look I'm crying again!" She sobs.
"Nothing to be ashamed of." Angel reassures her.
"You must think I'm pathetic! You have known me for less than a day and I have spent half the time crying in front of you…" Sakura clenches her fist turning her knuckles white. "I don't want to cry anymore…"
"Only cold hearted demons do not cry." Angel snaps. "Emotions are what make people who they are. Do not deny them. Embrace them."
Sakura thought about what Angel said and agreed with her. No one could deny their feelings forever. People weren't machines, even though that sounded appealing at the moment. To be a machine with no emotions, no confusion, just blissful emptiness. That sounded really good.
'So if emotions make people who they are, why does she deny hers?' Inner Sakura states.
Sakura's eyes widen in realization. Angel appears to have no emotion, at least she did at first. It reminded her of Sai when she first met him, but Angel did show some emotions and it seemed like she would quickly dismiss them or hide them when they did occur.
"Angel-chan… uh.. Do you… ummm…" Sakura knows what she wants to ask but she couldn't seem to bring herself to do it.
'You're being pathetic! Just ask! "Angel-chan have you ever cried?" See it is easy!'
'But I don't want to offend her!'
'She is the one who said and I quote, "Only cold hearted demons don't cry." So ask!'
Sakura sighs. She is curious and her alter ego is pushing her buttons. Finally, she gives in and is willing to deal with any consequences that may follow her actions. "Do you ever cry Angel-chan?"
Sakura closes her eyes and waits for the lashing she knew for sure that was coming. But nothing came. She peeks open one eye to see a very amused Angel starting back at her. "What?"
"Sakura-chan. I told you. Only cold hearted demons do not cry." Angel smiles. Sakura slumps over, she knew she would not get an answer.
"Can you really help me Angel-chan?" Sakura wants more than anything in the world to sort out her feelings. Whenever she tries she would just get frustrated and start to cry.
"I will do my best. I know it is hard to trust a stranger but I can assure you, do to that connection we share I may be able to help you to come to terms with your feelings. And with hope, you will be able to get past it and move on. Life is to short, especially for mortals." Angel gives Sakura a reassuring smile then quickly erases it from her face.
Sakura and Angel make it to Sakura's home where Sakura tells Angel everything that has happen to her and the people around her since the day Team Seven graduated from the ninja academy.
Angel listens in silence until Sakura is done. These people amaze her, surviving events that would have killed any normal mortal and possibly challenged the strongest of Elves. 'These people really are interesting. Maybe I can stay… maybe. If the fates let me…'
Elven Translations
1. Koron en' naur --- Fireball
2. 'Aanonen bloom --- Flowers bloom
3. Tula sinome --- Come here
4. Cormamin lindua ele lle --- My heart sings to see thee
5. Elea i'dolen --- Reveal
Japanese Translations
1a. -Baachan --- Granny
2a. Ero-Sennin --- Perverted hermit, Prevy Sage